The new 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost is the latest half British and half German ultra-luxury car to come from the storied auto manufacturer. The Ghost is the entry-level car, priced well below the larger Phantom, which will set you back $380,000.

The 2010 Ghost was going to be good; there were no doubts about that. It’s based on the BMW 760Li, but Rolls says that the Ghost is only 20 percent BMW. Rolls-Royce is also quick to point out that everything you see and touch is all-new for the model. Like all Rolls-Royce models, the new Ghost is seriously luxurious.

Under the hood of the new Ghost there is a modified version of BMW’s twin-turbocharged V12 that puts out 563 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque. The massive amount of torque is available at 1,500 rpm, which makes the large Ghost able to hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Max the Ghost out and you’ll hit 155 mph. Take the limiter off and you could easily compete with sports sedans. The motor is connected to a ZF-built eight-speed automatic transmission that is amazingly smooth, quick, and perfect in mostly every way.

The suspension is as complex as it gets, with double wishbones in the front and a multi-link rear. The four-cornered air suspension with electronic variable damping uses sensors that compensate for ride variations every 2.5 milliseconds.

Expect to get around 13 miles per gallon city and 20 highway, not bad for a massive luxury sedan with an even bigger motor.

The Ghost will come in one well-equipped trim level. Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, an active air suspension, a sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, power closing rear doors, a pair of umbrellas stored within the front doors, massaging front seats, adaptive cruise control, and a 16-speaker premium audio system. Those are merely the highlights of what the Ghost has to offer.

Options are only limited by the buyer’s imagination and pocket book, as one may choose finely crafted wooden drop-down picnic tables, twin rear DVD monitors, and individual “lounge” seating for the rear that comes with massaging seats and a cooler in between the seats for your Dom Perignon champagne.

Options aside, the interior is simply stunning. Exotic wood and metallic accents are used throughout the cabin. The seats are made of the finest leather and the carpeting is so plush that it feels like it belongs in a living room. While the Mercedes-Benz S-Class->ke359 is equally as nice, the Ghost just has that something extra that makes it stand out from the crowd.

Though Rolls-Royce has been known for their simple approach to luxury in the past, the new Ghost is more technology laden than ever. There is a multi-display screen that is hidden behind a wood panel when it's not in use. A BMW-sourced multi-controller knob that operates the computer system is actually quite decent and intuitive.

While the front seats are important, most Rolls-Royce owners will like to spend their time in the back. In keeping with tradition, the rear-seat passengers are pampered with soft leather, plush carpet, and a clear view ahead. There is a large fold-down armrest and plenty of options to make the back of the Ghost a real living room.

Trunk space isn’t as impressive as we would have liked, with only 14-cubic-feet of room. For a car this size, that space just isn’t good enough.

On the road, the 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost is smooth and silent, even at higher speeds. Push the throttle to the floor and the Ghost takes off without a single lurch. The Ghost’s speed climbs easily into the triple-digits. Even at higher speeds, the Ghost is absolutely silent. Shockingly silent would be another way to put it. The eight-speed automatic could pass for a CVT as it smoothly changes gear.

The active air suspension helps make bumps barely noticeable. Even the larger potholes are absorbed. Handling is simply incredible, as the new Rolls can turn corners like a Honda Civic->ke236. We managed to swing the 5,455-pound Ghost around in a tight rural three-way junction without having to backup.

That being said, the Ghost isn’t a sports car. Though its quick and nimble for a big car, the Ghost isn't a sports sedan. Those looking for tight handling and a great engine noise might want to look at the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG or the Bentley Continental Flying Spur->ke1657, though neither look as good as the Ghost.

On the highway, the Ghost is quiet and comfortable, eating away the miles like a private jet. This car could make a cross-country road trip easy and well worth it. Taking a drive in the Rolls-Royce from New York to Seattle…easy as going for a walk.

Base price for the Ghost is around $245,000.